Queenless hive

[Borderbees]

Hi all I have one Queenless hive with no eggs or brood but at least 5 seams of bees still bringing in pollen and nectar. I am going to leave them for a week or so just in case I have missed her but it doesn’t look hopeful. What to do? I have 3 other hives, all doing very well. Do I leave this one to die out? Do I combine with one of the strong hives?, (but these must be all winter bees and probably on their way out anyway). There are no drones about so I assume it is too early to give them a frame of eggs from one of the other hives? I’ve not lost a hive in winter before so any advice gratefully received.

 

[Swarm]

Shake them out.

 

[Angry_Mob]

Retailers such as BS honey bees are selling 2019 queens, I'd be tempted to order one and nab a frame of emerging brood from each of your other hives.

 

[Madge]

...There are no drones about so I assume it is too early to give them a frame of eggs from one of the other hives? ...

Giving them a frame of eggs might tell you whether they’re queenless (if they’ve drawn out queen cells). You can then unite them with another colony.

 

[Levitt53]

I'm in Cambridgeshire and two out of three of my hives have done brood so they are not far away from you. I would give it another week and then give them a test frame. Personally I've requeen this way several times and found it works fine, although I know a lot would not advise it.